9802 Herriot Ln, Peoria, IL 61615
Skilled Soft Tissue Surgery for Your Pet's Health and Safety
Any surgery performed on an animal that isn't orthopedic is considered soft tissue surgery. At Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic's North Peoria location, our veterinarians are highly skilled and experienced surgeons equipped to perform a wide range of procedures, from routine spays and neuters to more complex surgeries like exploratory procedures and mass removals.
Soft tissue surgery covers everything from planned, preventative procedures to urgent, life-saving interventions. Whatever the reason your pet needs surgery, our North Peoria team approaches every case with the same commitment to safety, individualized care and clear communication, so you always know what to expect before, during and after your pet's procedure.
Our Soft Tissue Surgery Services
Our North Peoria surgical team performs a wide range of soft tissue procedures, including:
- Spay: Removal of a female pet's ovaries and uterus to prevent unplanned litters, uterine disease and reduce the risk of mammary tumors. This procedure can also reduce heat cycle related behaviors like restlessness and vocalization.
- Neuter: Removal of a male pet's testicles to prevent unwanted litters, eliminate testicular cancer risk and reduce hormone-driven behaviors. Many pet owners also notice a reduction in roaming and marking after their pet is neutered.
- Mass (lump) removals: Surgical removal of concerning skin or subcutaneous masses, often paired with histopathology to confirm diagnosis. Removing a mass early, before it grows larger, typically means a simpler surgery and easier recovery for your pet.
- Cystotomy (bladder stone removal): Surgical removal of bladder stones to relieve pain, straining and the risk of urinary blockage. We may also recommend dietary changes afterward to help lower the chance of stones forming again.
- Exploratory surgery: Direct examination of abdominal organs to remove intestinal blockages or collect biopsies when other diagnostics are inconclusive. This procedure is often necessary on an urgent basis, since intestinal blockages can quickly become life threatening.
- Aural hematoma repair: Drainage and repair of blood pooling within the ear flap, usually linked to an underlying ear infection or irritation. Treating the underlying cause alongside the repair helps reduce the chance of the hematoma coming back.
- Gastropexy: Attachment of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent life-threatening bloat, especially in large, deep-chested breeds. It can be performed preventatively, often alongside a spay or neuter, or urgently if bloat has already occurred.
What to Expect From Surgical Process
Every pet who comes in for surgery at our North Peoria location goes through the same careful, safety-first process, regardless of which procedure they need.
Before any sedation, your pet receives a thorough preoperative examination. Depending on their age, this includes:
- Pre-anesthetic blood work within 30 days of surgery, required for all pets over 7 years old
- Optional pre-anesthetic blood work for pets under 7 years old
Once cleared for surgery, each procedure is performed under an individualized anesthetic plan tailored to your pet's size, age and health history. A certified veterinary technician monitors your pet closely before, during and after surgery to make sure everything goes smoothly.
During the procedure, your pet will also receive an IV catheter with fluid therapy, full anesthetic monitoring throughout surgery, and medication to manage pain and nausea associated with surgery.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery time varies depending on the procedure your pet has had, but our North Peoria team sends every pet home with clear aftercare instructions tailored to their surgery. This typically includes:
- Guidance on activity restriction and rest during the initial healing period
- Pain management and any prescribed medications
- Incision care instructions and signs of a healthy versus concerning incision
- An e-collar or recovery suit, if needed, to prevent licking or chewing at the surgical site
- A follow-up recheck to confirm your pet is healing as expected
If you ever notice swelling, discharge, excessive licking or a change in your pet's behavior during recovery, contact our North Peoria clinic right away so we can take a look.
When Does Your Pet Need Soft Tissue Surgery?
Some soft tissue surgeries, like spays, neuters and preventative gastropexy, are planned well in advance. Others, such as exploratory surgery for an intestinal blockage or emergency gastropexy for bloat, are needed urgently. Signs that your pet may need prompt surgical evaluation include:
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food down
- A rapidly swelling or painful abdomen
- Straining to urinate or blood in the urine
- A lump that is growing, changing or bothering your pet
- Sudden swelling or drooping of the ear flap
Schedule a Surgical Consultation in North Peoria
If your pet needs a spay, neuter, or a more complex soft tissue procedure, the surgical team at Meadowbrook Veterinary Clinic, North Peoria, is here to help. Whether you are planning ahead for a routine procedure or dealing with an urgent surgical need, we are ready to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to full recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and give your pet the safe, attentive surgical care they deserve.
Compassionate Care and a
Warm Welcome for Every Pet
